Help on Repeater ant to buy

[Rich]

Here is a problem that I'm having with my Diamond X700.
Hopefully someone can give me some advice on which antenna would suit my needs best.

Problem:

My Diamond X700 cost me $400. I'm using it for a VHF repeater antenna.

The problem it causes is every now and then, I get gurgling noises and crackling in the transmit and it takes out weak signals.

This problem may stay in a few days and be gone for a few days and then come back again.

It is not my TX RX duplexer. That was already checked out.
I replaced my coax with LMR400. (75 ft. run)
I have even changed repeaters and get the same results.

Someone told me that the Diamond antennaes are NOT good in repeater service because they whip around and the rods inside do get broken and cause problems and will not show a bad SWR. My SWR is fine.

Anyone out here have the same problems that I'm having? Do you have any suggestions on a proper antenna to use?

I do have one suggestion and that was to get a Decibel products DB 224 antenna. Their website shows it as 6 DB gain where my Diamond is 9 DB.
I'm afraid that I will lose my receive coverage with the lesser DB gain.

Can anyone comment on the Decibel product? Any help and suggestions would be appreciated.

Or if you can suggest any other antenna that could be used for repeater use at my home.
ritchi50@optonline.net

[wavetar]

I know that you want maximum exposure to your question, but please understand it only adds to confusion when you post the same thread in multiple forums. Rest assured your question will be viewed by the people that can help the most in the appropriate forum. So, since your post from General Discussion has been moved to this forum, this thread will be locked.

Todd